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For the first time in my life, I have hit my deductible AND reached my out-of-pocket maximum. I now have three months of actual free healthcare, which is unheard of in the US. What should I get done? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by Reverendender@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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Biologically male procedures only. EDIT: If the two people who downvoted this question could explain their reasoning, I would be super interested. No judgements. This is a safe space!

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[–] Sterile_Technique@lemmy.world 37 points 3 months ago (2 children)

If you're on any expensive meds, now'd be a good time to get them refilled. ...and 'my backpack got stolen!' them and get them refilled again if that's covered.

If you've got anything you think needs to be addressed with any urgency at all, skip the normal process and go to the ER to complain about your symptoms, especially if you've got ANY pain in your abdomen or tenderness in your lower back (which could mean kidney stones).

Infact, even if you don't have pain, go in and tell them you feel nauseous after eating anything greasy or fatty, and you'll get a free ultrasound of your gallbladder to see if there's any stones in there. ...don't actually accept surgery to remove it unless there are stones that look like they're for sure going to be problematic, cuz you WILL have symptoms once it's gone (eating will make you feel like shit... your body should adjust eventually, but that's not a guarantee, and it can take anywhere from a few months to years).

So, if they offer a scan or any diagnostic, do it. If they offer surgery, have a long think about whether it's actually worth doing.

[–] nickhammes@lemmy.world 10 points 3 months ago

Not only refill your meds, but there are places where you can get 90 day prescriptions filled, so you can go into the new year with several months of pills already ready.

[–] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 9 points 3 months ago (1 children)

The ER idea is brilliant, especially because I just moved here and don’t have a PCP yet. Even better, I can hit up urgent care every day!

[–] Sterile_Technique@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Yeah your biggest obstacle right now is going to be "our next available appointment is in 4 months", so ER is the way passed that. It's not super ethical, but neither is the way our healthcare system operates, so do what you gotta do.

[–] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 months ago

When it comes to the American insurance industry, I think I am fresh out of “ethics.”